Tullyhogue Fort (left) © Photo Healy Racing
The first division of the Guinness Handicap Hurdle went to Tullyhogue Fort (12/1) who was ridden by amateur Paul O'Neill for his father John.
Patiently handled in a race run at a good gallop, the Sholokhov gelding came through to lead between the final two flights and beat Appian Way by a length and a half. My Friend The Wind was three and a quarter lengths back in third with a long gap back to the remainder.
The winning rider Paul O'Neill said: "He has run well over two miles and again at three miles but is still learning the job and was sick for a while since he won in Galway last year.
"The ground was a bit too soft at Galway the last day but he ran through the line and he stepped up today. I think he is better taking his time.
"He is an honest horse, jumps fences and is vert straightforward. Kevin (O'Neill) my cousin and myself bought him at the sales and both of us ride out in the morning. We only have two horses racing at the moment so 50% of them have won!"
"He is a low grade horse but if he won one race a year it would keep us all going."
Quotes from Tom Weekes
